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The first lady of Oman, Ahad Bint Abdullah Bin Hamad al Busaidihas made history in his country after appearing publicly at a sultanate event. In Arab countries it is not common for consorts to be seen at public events and the presence of Al Busaidi is a very significant gesture for Omani society.

Al Busaidi also chose the October the 17th to make that appearance, quite a declaration of intentions, since it is the National Women’s Day in Oman. In addition to being present, the sultan’s consort presented the Order of Royal Commendation to some women recognized this year for her achievements, and gave a speech, collected by The Time of Omanin which he highlighted the important role of women in the country.

“My congratulations to all the Omani women who provided unlimited support and contributed to the prestige achieved by Oman, and to all the mothers, workers or students who ardently attended to their duty (…). There is no doubt that the allocation of this occasion to the celebration of Omani Women’s Day highlights the achievements of women, raise awareness about your role in progress and ignites their passionate quest to explore the bright future of this beloved homeland.”

The first lady highlighted the her country’s commitment to “unlocking the power of women as partners in modern development” and assured that “Omani women have had unlimited access to education, training and work” and “they have taken their deserved place in the public and private sectors.

Ahad bint Abdullah wife of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, 65 years old (and considerably older than her), who has held the position since January of this year, when her predecessor Qabus bin Said Al Said died. Ahad and Haitham have four children (two boys and two girls) and She is the only known wife of the sultan, something relevant since, as reported The countryIn other Arab countries it is difficult to make visible to the first lady since polygamy is often practiced and would mean choosing a favorite (which would generate internal disputes).

“للسيدة الجليلة” زوجة سلطان عمان السلطان هيثم بن سعيد في يوم تكريم المرأة العمانية.. pic.twitter.com/orpNelesi6

— علي الفضاله (@Q_Fadala) October 17, 2020

Although Oman is one of the most developed Arab countries with respect to women’s rightsIn 2017, the UN placed it in 56th place (out of a total of 187) on the list of countries with the best gender equality rates in the world. It seems that with the new leader it wants to go one step further and give greater prominence. institutional and public to his wife, whom in the Omani media they are still referred to as “the honorable madam” or “the wife of his majesty the sultan”, without ever saying her name.

Being present at an event is not just a novelty in Oman. Similar cases have only occurred in Qatar with the Sheikha Mozahmother of the current emir and known internationally for her intelligence and elegance, and princess beech of Jordan, last wife of the prime minister and vice president of the United Arab Emirates.

According to ABCAhad bint Abdullah, who is the daughter of the former Undersecretary of Justice of Oman, She studied Sociology and is a feminist, which led her to join Mozah and Haya’s fight to give more prominence to Arab women.

After her appearance, some Omanis showed their impressions on social networks and shared messages of pride, sometimes accompanied by poems and drawings of the first lady.

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